NEW! Sleep Out Medallion Hunt

The medallion has been found as of Friday, Dec. 9, 11:30 a.m. Thank you to all who puzzled and pondered the clues. And special kudos to the treasure hunters who braved the elements to search!

Below is a breakdown of each clue.

CLUE #1

So many lakes – which one to choose? It helps to get your bearings.

Watery access won’t aid your quest…this is no time for seafaring.

The word SEAfaring indicates a large body of water. When you look at the Interfaith Outreach service area map, the lake that pops out right away that is “a large body of water” is Lake Minnetonka. However, as this clue shares, the Medallion is not on or right next to the lake. We are hinting that the city where the Medallion is hidden is near Lake Minnetonka (which narrows it down to Long Lake, Minnetonka Beach or Wayzata).

CLUE #2

As you search keep your eye near the floor, stay focused on the prize.

If you plan your hunt in the right public space, your friends will think you’re Wise.

The Medallion is near the ground in a public space (this will help you more later on). There is reference to the word “Wise” — the uppercase “W” gives hint at a proper noun — like a city name. The last clue should have narrowed down Long Lake, Minnetonka Beach or Wayzata, and the only city that starts with a “W” or the sound of the word “wise” is Wayzata (wys-zet-ə).

CLUE #3

Lake Superior doesn’t have the only north shore.

Keep this in mind, and your prize will be in store.

If you google the cities that are in Interfaith Outreach service area, and if you picked up on the hint about Wayzata from the clue before, you will read this sentence right away from Wikipedia: “The name Wayzata is derived from a LakotaSioux phrase meaning “North Shore.” Located on the shores of Lake Minnetonka, the city is a popular tourist destination.” This clue confirms the Medallion is in Wayzata. In addition, Superior Blvd runs directionally toward Big Woods Preserve toward the shopping center (filled with stores) that abuts the park.

CLUE #4

Don’t drift too far when winds blow cold.

An anchor will keep you in sight of your goal.

When you drive into Wayzata from Hwy 12 you will pass Anchor Bank with a large anchor out front. You don’t want to drift far from Anchor Bank, because this clue is letting you know in what part of Wayzata the Medallion is hidden. Remember, it’s hidden in a public space so we are narrowing down where it could be located. Flags fluttering in the wind atop a nearby building can be seen from the Medallion’s location.

CLUE #5

Cookies are tasty for folks big and small.

Think about the bakers, your prize isn’t tall.

When you think about “small bakers” who bake cookies, hopefully your mind went right to the Keebler Elf, who lives and bakes in a hollow of a tree. This clue doesn’t mean a ton by itself, but pair it with the next couple of clues and you will have a strong idea as to where the clue is hidden.

CLUE #6

A busy highway of old carried folks through the town.

The new road today makes travel fast…but slow down!

Wayzata Blvd (Old Highway 12) used to be the main road that brought people to town from Minneapolis — that is, until the new Highway 12 was built. If you look on a map where Anchor Bank is (clue 4), Wayzata Blvd, and Highway 12, you will see that a triangle is formed. Again, giving direction as to boundaries where the Medallion is hidden within Wayzata.

CLUE #7

Berries make jam, but not enough for a crowd.

Find the one prize you seek – Laura Ingalls would be proud!

Jams, jellies, and marmalades are all examples of different styles of fruit preserves. Laura Ingalls was born on Feb. 7, 1867, in the Big Woods region of Wisconsin. If you pair the two, you can put together BIG WOODS PRESERVE, located between Anchor bank, Wayzata Blvd & Highway 12.

CLUE #8

Shoe Bob says, “Grab your shoes and go hit the trail!”

Stay on soft ground, and your hunt will prevail.

Bob Fisher has history with Interfaith Outreach for starting our Sleep Out campaign (which we are in the middle of) 21 years ago. Bob’s Shoe Repair is also well-known store in Wayzata, which butts up against Big Woods Preserve. There are paved sidewalks and dirt trails throughout Big Woods Preserve; you will want to stick to the dirt trails to find the Medallion.

CLUE #9 (FINAL CLUE)

In the woods, your prize awaits. Take the trail to the east, over the hill…don’t be late!

The medallion’s home is fit for a Keebler elf. Be the first one to find it and claim the prize for yourself!

Hopefully you have already pieced together that the Medallion is hidden in Wayzata and the Big Woods Preserve. This clue confirms it is hidden in the woods; from the parking lot take the trail to the east and over a hill. Remember clue 5 “think about the bakers, your prize isn’t tall,” pair that with “in a home fit for an elf,” and this should be confirming the thoughts of the Keebler elf — who lives in a hollow of a tree.

If you go to Big Wood Preserve and take the dirt trail that heads east, over the hill and down, you will come across a very prominent tree with a large hollow on the ground (remember clue 2 to keep your eye on the floor?). The Medallion is hidden in that hollow.

About the Medallion Hunt

Hunt for a treasure with your family & friends!

$200 Target gift card prize | Dec. 1-9, 2016

There is a new way to get the entire family fired up about the Interfaith Outreach Sleep Out! The first ever Sleep Out Medallion Hunt gets everyone venturing into the great outdoors while raising awareness for local families who are struggling with homelessness, job loss, health and poverty.

A Sleep Out medallion is hidden in a public spot within the eight cities that Interfaith Outreach serves: Hamel, Long Lake, Medicine Lake, Medina, Minnetonka Beach, Orono, Plymouth and Wayzata. Once per day from Dec. 1-9, we will post a new clue here on our website, Facebook and Twitter between 11 a.m.-noon.

Clues will be posted daily until we have one lucky winner. The medallion must be turned in to our office at 1605 County Road 101 N, Plymouth to claim the prize. Be sure to read the rules below before you start!

P.S. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or check back here for clues!

Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners

Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners and the Interfaith Outreach Endowment Fund are both 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Gifts to either organization are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.